When the Chief Shepherd Appears

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Pet. 5:4. Just imagine what a glorious day it will be when the Chief Shepherd appears. Then all those who have served and loved Him through the many situations of life, both small things and big things, will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away from the Chief Shepherd Himself. This is and will be something quite different than the honor and recognition I can receive by seeking to please people and maneuvering to gain their approval and recognition here on earth. Think to serve the Chief Shepherd Himself while we are alive! What does He think about my life? What does He think about my thoughts? I need to come away from all the hustle and bustle that the vast majority of people in the world are caught up with. “To be shown God’s hidden counsels is the calling you were giv’n from before the earth was fashioned by the Lord.” WotL 275.

As human beings, our thoughts naturally and constantly turn towards what everyone else, other than the Chief Shepherd, thinks and believes about me, myself and mine. By constantly taking these thoughts captive and exercising myself in turning my mind and thoughts towards the Chief Shepherd, I experience a wonderful peace, joy and rest within. 2 Cor. 10:5. The honor and approval of men truly is fickle, short-lived and fading, as opposed to an eternal and unfading and glorious crown. The things that are seen are temporary—i.e. they only last for a certain time—but the things that are not seen are eternal! 2 Cor. 4:17-18.

How good it is to be able to serve the Chief Shepherd with a willing heart, not by compulsion but willingly. It is quite different from serving for the sake of dishonest gain, to be seen by people and be honored by them. After all, I serve the Chief Shepherd and my thoughts are set on the day when He will appear and that is what I am looking forward to! Col. 3:1-4. “. . . whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” 1 Pet. 1:8.

The Chief Shepherd is truly the shepherd and overseer of our souls and there is no doubt that He truly cares for us! For those who serve Him with all their hearts, He will never let them go, and He will never abandon them. They can boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Heb. 13:6. And in that day when the Chief Shepherd appears, all these ones will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. That is truly a glorious day to live for!